Since 1970, citizens across the globe have celebrated April 22 as Earth Day, an annual event to show support for our planet and catalyze advocacy on environmental protection. Today, over one billion people worldwide join in solidarity for the Earth.

This day of activism and education has become so popular that many celebrate it for the entire month of April.

CONNECT WITH OTHERS

Are you looking for ways you can celebrate Earth Day? Whether you are young or old, want to be a spectator or take
center stage, there is something for everyone.

Here are just a few of the virtual Earth Day events Seminole Tribe of Florida staff are participating in this year:

Join Solve Climate by 2030 April 7

Jill Horwitz, STOF climate resilience officer, and Marty Bowers, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki education coordinator, will be distinguished speakers at the Florida session, hosted by University of South Florida Patel College of Global Sustainability and The CLEO Institute. This is one of 100 events happening simultaneously around the world to discuss regional climate solutions, energy justice, and a path to a green recovery. Click here for more.

Florida Food Waste Prevention Week, April 5-9

South Florida public and private partners are hosting a week of online events and social media challenges to raise awareness about how reducing food waste reduces hunger, protects the environment and saves money. Click here for more.

Watch Young Voices for the Planet film series

Kids, check out these short movies to see what other young people are doing and get inspired to take action. Through uplifting and inspiring success stories, this series empowers youth to claim an essential role in their communities and catalyzing positive change.

Perform Climate Change Theatre Action 2021

More than 50 plays and short readings are available for you to perform. This year’s theme is “Envisioning a Global Green New Deal”, and works center on what an equitable, sustainable, decarbonized, and just society look like. Click here for more.

Participate in Florida Climate Week April 19-22

Take part in a week’s worth of events with guest speakers to help you understand the impacts our changing climate is having on the Sunshine State. Click here for more.

CONNECT WITH THE EARTH

Celebrate Earth Day everyday by enjoying the beauty of the Earth that surrounds you. Taking a hike, planting a native garden, or bird watching are just a few examples of activities that promote appreciation for natural resources.

A nature hike is an activity that you can do with your family, friends, or alone to celebrate near or far from home. It does not matter if you live in the city or in the woods, taking a walk outside is something you can do every day to appreciate nature no matter what else is happening in the world. Go outside and enjoy the sights and sounds of the natural world, and experience the Earth in all its beauty. The tips below will allow you to celebrate the Earth as it is around you no matter where you are.

• Find a location where you can sit comfortably. Find a tree, a field, garden or lake to sit near where you can spend some time to reflect and observe all that surrounds you. When you find a nice location, spend 10 minutes in one spot and make observations of the environment surrounding you.

• Can you see the sky? Is it clear or does it look like rain? Make a note of the weather and conditions. The fresh winds of spring bring in the smells of orange blossoms in bloom or freshly cut grass.

• Close your eyes and listen for a minute. What do you hear? Listen to the birds chirping in the bushes, hawks calling from the tops of tall trees. Do you hear multiple birds? Can you hear them calling other birds? Try to whistle. Can you mimic the call of the birds? Think about how birds and other wildlife communicate with each other.

• Now look at the plants around you. Are there many varieties? Are there birds in the bushes? Do you see nests? How many different types of lichens and bromeliads are growing on the trees? Are the flowers blooming? Are the leaves starting to grow for the springtime.

• Now take a deep breath. Find the fresh air and enjoy the nature surrounding you as you travel on to your next destination.

Want to see a list of these events, activities, and resources all in one place? Check out the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum’s
website and social media pages. We will be posting these opportunities and more as the day approaches.

The HERO team looks forward to hosting a live Earth Day event of our own in 2022.

Editor’s note: This article was compiled by staff from the Seminole Tribe’s Heritage and Environment Resources Office (HERO).